Make a statement with sparkly necklaces

Q: I received two statement necklaces as gifts. Now I need to know how to wear them. What to pair them with? Casual and dressy looks? I love the sparkle.A: I love the sparkle, too! In fact, I love everything...

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By
Ellen Warren
Posted Mar. 2, 2014 @ 12:01 am

Q: I received two statement necklaces as gifts. Now I need to know how to wear them. What to pair them with? Casual and dressy looks? I love the sparkle.

A: I love the sparkle, too! In fact, I love everything about statement necklaces — the gaudier the better. As with everything about fashion today, there are no rules. But here are a few guidelines:

Keep it simple. If you have a honking gorgeous necklace, don’t compete with it. No ruffles or quirky necklines. Think twice about pairing with giant, flashy earrings.

You can’t go wrong with black. In fact there is no better way to dress up a basic little black anything (dress, T-shirt, blouse, suit) than a “wow” necklace.

Sparkle is not just for evening. These necklaces look great with a denim shirt or other casual wear.

There’s no such thing as clashing. When it comes to these statement pieces, anything goes.

For those who don’t know where to shop, the options are fabulous and not expensive. Shop by color at Charming Charlie (charmingcharlie.com) for under $20. Etsy.com is loaded with them. And for all those women who think Forever 21 is way too youthful, get over it. Some of the best bargains in jewelry are waiting for you there (forever21.com).

Roomy gifts need a touch of tact

Q: What do you do when someone sends gifts of clothes that are always too large, shipped from online sites that make returning them so expensive and such a hassle that it’s not really worthwhile?

A: In the most grateful tone, tell your gift givers that everyone in your family loves the generous presents they receive, but they’re just a little roomy. Then, ask if you can send along some size guidelines for your family that might be a better fit. The direct approach is your only option other than the headache of returns — or donating the clothes to a worthy charity.

Hot trends in hosiery

Q: Black hose — yes or no?? I recently attended an evening wedding and very few women were wearing black hose (with black dress shoes). Looks like women are wearing nude or no hose. I felt very self-conscious wearing black hose and made a beeline for the women’s restroom and took them off.

A: So many readers send me questions about what’s right and wrong to wear to weddings, and my first reaction is that this is the bride’s show. Nobody is looking at you so … relax a little. But that doesn’t answer your question.

Extremely sheer black hosiery is starting to show up on runways. So, in fact, you were on the leading edge of a soon-to-be trend. Congratulations!

But, truth is that the bare leg is the current fashion, and it’s not flattering on many women whose legs are pasty, veiny or saggy.

Some fashion experts say nude hosiery is totally unacceptable. I say wear it if you think your legs require covering, but make sure it’s ultra sheer.